Licensing and Certification

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 state of emergency, we ask that you email all license and registration applications to bnelicensing@health.ny.gov for processing. If a licensing fee is required, please mail the application only (no ancillary documents) and your check to the address on the application.

Public Health Law requires any person acting as a manufacturer, distributor, importer, exporter, institutional dispenser or institutional dispenser limited of controlled substances, or conducting research, instructional activities or chemical analysis with controlled substances in New York State to obtain a license from the Department of Health. The Bureau of Narcotic enforcement also registers other entities for controlled substance activities; such as Certificate of Need (CON) to Possess Hypodermic Syringes and Needles, and Euthanasia Activities of Animals.

Notification of Disciplinary Action

Persons licensed or certified by the Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement (BNE), must notify BNE of, “any charge or proceeding brought in any court or before any governmental agency, State or Federal, in which it is alleged that the licensee, its employees, subsidiaries, managing officers, or directors has failed to comply with the provisions of the Federal Controlled Substances Act or the law of any State relating to controlled substances.” 10 NYCRR Part 80.110(b)

Controlled Substance License

Cannabinoid Hemp (CBD), Industrial Hemp and other Cannabis Inquiries

The New York State Office of Cannabis Management is now the licensing authority for processors, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers of CBD and cannabis products intended for human consumption. Additionally, the new Office for Cannabis Management oversees the Medical Cannabis Program and adult-use (recreational) cannabis. Information may be obtained here: https://cannabis.ny.gov/.

For information regarding the manufacturing, growing or distributing of industrial hemp for industrial or food purposes, please visit the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets website at: https://agriculture.ny.gov/industrial-hemp to obtain further information on regulatory requirements.

Please Note: The requirement to prescribe a controlled substance in New York State is the appropriate practitioner license and a DEA registration. There is not a separate state controlled substance license needed for practitioners in New York State.

K9 Licensees and Applicants

The Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement no longer requires municipal police agencies to obtain a controlled substance license for their K9 units, pursuant to Public Health Law §3305(b). If a municipal police K9 unit is currently licensed, it need not submit a renewal application.

Non-municipal and private companies conducting canine training must still be licensed if they wish to possess, store, or utilize controlled substances.

Listing of Currently Licensed Entities

This Microsoft Excel file contains all valid licensees as of the date listed in the file. The file will be updated periodically. This file is to be used for entities seeking verifications of active licensees.

License Application Fee Exemptions

The application fee must be provided at the time of application for licensure. Municipalities and governmental entities are exempt from paying the application fee. However, if a license is issued to an individual who works for a municipality or governmental entity, that person is not exempt from paying the fee. This includes all classifications of licensure including researchers.

Animal Euthanasia Activities

Certificate of Need (CON) to Possess Hypodermic Syringes and Needles

Section 80.133 of the Part 80 Rules and Regulations on Controlled Substances in New York State outlines the Department of Health's Certificate of Need process, which is intended to authorize educational institutions and persons engaged in commercial, industrial or agricultural activities to possess hypodermic needles and syringes.

In 2007, the Public Health Law was amended to exempt farmers engaged in livestock production or persons supplying farmers engaged in livestock production from the requirements for sale or furnishing of needles and syringes. Individuals who meet this criteria are not required to hold a Certificate of Need from the Department of Health in order to purchase hypodermic syringes and needles in New York State.

Expanded Syringe Access Demonstration Program (ESAP)

Under Chapter 433 of the Laws of 2021, Public Health Law (PHL) Section 3381 was amended eliminating the requirement for pharmacies, health care facilities and health care practitioners to register with the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) in order to dispense syringes without a prescription to persons 18 years of age and older. Consistent with this amendment, NYSDOH no longer registers providers for participating in the Expanded Syringe Access Program (ESAP). These providers must continue to accompany syringe dispensing with the safety insert as required by PHL Section 3381. For questions, please contact ESAP@health.ny.gov.